Prepare [Part-2]

Rank 2: (standing in front of the vending machine, pressing buttons) So, have you noticed Rank-1's weird obsession with cooking lately?

Rank 3: (grabbing a soda) Yeah, it's bizarre. I caught him talking about baking bread the other day.

Rank 2: (laughing) Seriously? Bread? What's next, gourmet meals during training?

Rank 3: (smirking) Knowing him, he'd probably try.

Rank 2: (selecting a snack) He's always been a bit off, but this cooking thing is on another level. Maybe it's his way of dealing with stress?

Rank 3: (shaking his head) Or maybe he's just nuts. Who knows with him?

(They both laugh, then notice Rank 28 stumbling down the hallway, moving erratically.)

Rank 2: (pointing) Hey, look at Rank 28. What's up with him?

Rank 3: (mocking tone) Looks like a zombie from one of those old movies.

Rank 2: (laughing) Totally. All he needs is some moaning and he'd fit right in.

Rank 3: (waving at Rank 28) Hey, Rank 28! You lose your brain somewhere?

Rank 28: (dazed, not responding, walking past them)

Rank 2: (concerned) Okay, that's actually kinda creepy.

Rank 3: (chuckling) Maybe he had a run-in with Rank-1 and got more than he bargained for.

Rank 2: (grinning) Or maybe he's just sleepwalking. Either way, someone should check on him.

Rank 3: (nodding) Yeah, but not us. Let's finish our snacks and get out of here.

Rank 2: (finishing his snack) Agreed. Last thing I want is to deal with whatever weirdness is going on with Rank-28.

Rank 3: (sipping his soda) Or Rank-1's cooking experiments. Imagine if he tried to make us his test subjects.

Rank 2: (laughing) No thanks. I'd rather face zombies.

Rank 3: (mock shivering) Same here.

Crash lay sprawled on one of the couches in the standard room, snoring softly. Dek convinced instructors 5 and 6, along with the supervisor, to take a break and play chess with him for a while

Dek: (moving a pawn) What do you think of our new abilities?

Instructor 5: (observing the board) Impressive, but we must test their limits during training.

Instructor 6: (leaning back in his chair) Agreed. Your awakening was… unusual.

Supervisor009911: (sipping tea) Unusual is putting it lightly. It's unprecedented. But let's focus on the game. Dek, you're up.

Dek: (smirking) Alright, but don't blame me if I win too easily.

Crash: (mumbling in his sleep) Mophead... don't get too cocky...

Instructor 6: (chuckling) Even in his sleep, he's competitive.

Supervisor009911: (moving a knight) Check. Your move, Dek.

Dek: (focused, moving his queen) Not so fast. I've got plans of my own.

Instructor 5: (nodding) Good move. You've been practising.

Dek: (shrugging) Chess is all about strategy and patience. Two things we need in abundance.

Instructor 6: (to Instructor 5) How did you apprehend Hardian Mylore after the fight?

Instructor 5: (thoughtful) It wasn't easy. He's slippery. We had to outmaneuver him, catch him off guard.

Supervisor009911: (placing a bishop) It's why we train. To be ready for anything. Speaking of which, our next session is crucial. Be prepared.

Dek: (nodding) We will be. Checkmate.

Instructor 6: (grinning) Well played, Dek. You've come a long way.

Crash: (stirring, waking up) What did I miss?

Instructor 5: (smiling) Just a game of chess. Ready for training?

Crash: (stretching) Always. Let's do this.

Supervisor009911: (standing) Before we head out, let's discuss the schedule. The next few weeks will be intense.

Instructor 6: (serious) We must push you to your limits, especially after awakening. You're stronger now, but you need control.

Dek: (determined) We're ready. What's first?

Supervisor009911: (checking his notes) Combat simulations, energy control exercises, and tactical drills. It's going to be rigorous.

Crash: (grinning) Sounds like fun.

Instructor 5: (sternly) Don't underestimate it, Crash. This is serious. Lives depend on your abilities.

Crash: (nodding) I know. We're ready.

Dek: (to Crash) Don't fall asleep during training, Redhead.

Crash: (smirking) Only if you stop calling me that, Mophead.

Supervisor009911: (interrupting) Enough banter. Let's get moving.

"ITS TIME FOR THE P.A.I.R TRAINING PROTOCOL TO START"